Call it the great northern fisher migration.
With Minnesota’s popular walleye/northern pike season about to end on the state’s inland waters, this is the time of year when many anglers head north to border waters such as Lake of the Woods for bonus fishing.
But those anglers are reminded that, although border waters such as Lake of the Woods in far-northwestern Minnesota offer another six weeks of walleye fishing (while the season on inland waters ends Feb. 25, the walleye/sauger season runs through April 14; there is no closure of the pike season at Lake of the Woods), that “bonus” doesn’t extend to fishing licenses.
All 2017 Minnesota licenses – fishing, hunting and trapping – expire Wednesday, Feb. 28, the DNR reminded sportsmen/women in a recent news release, noting, too, that new licenses are required for 2017 hunting and fishing seasons that continue past Feb. 28.
All 2018 fishing licenses become effective Thursday, March 1.
For 2018, license fees will increase by $3 for a resident individual angling license, and fees also will increase for other license types, including deer hunting and sports and lifetime licenses, the DNR said in the release, adding that licenses for 2018 are now available wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold, online at mndnr.gov/buyalicense and by telephone at 888-665-4236.
The DNR also noted that those who purchase licenses online via a smartphone won’t receive a conventional paper license. Instead, they’ll receive a text message or email that serves as proof of a valid license to state conservation officers. A printed copy of the text or email also can serve as proof of a valid license.
The DNR encourages customers to update their record online at mndnr.gov/buyalicense. Adding an email, while not required, allows the DNR to send important hunting and fishing information and gather input through surveys, according to the release.
License fees support the ongoing work of DNR fish, wildlife and enforcement staff to conserve, enhance and protect Minnesota’s waters, fields and forests, the DNR said in the release. More information about how the DNR spends license dollars may be found at mndnr.gov/LicenseDollarsAtWork.
